upgrading my tripod??

[galt]

I currently am using this Velbon tripod.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=146249&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

I know... But it is a fluid head, cheap, and got me started and is stable enough for interviews and staionary shots. Panning is not terrible, but certainly does not start/stop as smooth as I would like. Maybe its me... Also, I REALLY like it's 4.5 pound weight, barely weighs more than a monopod.

I am considering whether to go for a full blown $500 tripod kit with 503 head, or to simply ungrade these legs to a 501 or 503 as an interim step. So here goes:

• Will a 501/503 work okay on such a light set of legs?
• Will I really see the pan performace gain I am expecting, or will the light legs counteract any gain from a better head?
• Does Bogen make a cheaper head than the 501 that uses the same QR plate? This would be for my monopod, and I don't care about fluid head, just interchangeability without changing baseplate.

The biggest issues are cost, and the fact that upgrading this will leave me with a 6.5 pound tripod instead of 11+ pounds. My indoor interview setup is fine as is, but I am hoping for better panning ability when shooting events. Think parades, street festivals, even cocktail parties.

 

[Barry_S]

I think you'd be undercutting the advantages of a good fluid head by using it with flimsy lightweight sticks. What you're looking for is rigidity and torsional stability in a set of legs. These properties make for a good stable panning platform. My advice is to wait until you have the cash for a good head/sticks combo because the two elements work together to give you smooth fluid motion in a pan.

 

[Rosestar]

I think you'd be undercutting the advantages of a good fluid head by using it with flimsy lightweight sticks. What you're looking for is rigidity and torsional stability in a set of legs. These properties make for a good stable panning platform. My advice is to wait until you have the cash for a good head/sticks combo because the two elements work together to give you smooth fluid motion in a pan.

Barry is right. Having a good head is important, but without a sturdy base it is self defeating. Sticks take a beating with constant use. Get the best you can.